Dragon's Kiss - 9. Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

“Where the hell are you? Answer your darned phone, Lev.” Haje huffed under his breath and the message ended.

Levin deleted the voice message. He sat waiting for Jaxton Donovan in an expensive conference room at the Strassen Foundation building. Tired of sitting, he pushed his chair back and moved to stare out the glass windows. Colston City was bright this morning. Though the air was still chilly, the sun had chosen to lighten up the day. Yet, the sun’s warmth wasn’t enough to heat the cold air coming from the lake. It wasn’t warm enough to take away the cold growing inside him.

His phone buzzed again. Probably another message from Haje, sweet Haje who wanted justice for his twin brother, there had been dozens of messages. He had nothing to tell Haje, so he ignored the messages.

The doors slid open behind him and he turned to see Jaxton Donovan walk into the room. The man was intimidating. Not an ounce of softness clung to Jaxton. Jaxton had hard muscles and sharp angles. His face was carved off granite.

Harsh beauty, Haje had once said of Donovan.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Cooper,” Jaxton said moving to take a seat at the head of the conference table. Jaxton didn’t look sorry, which made his statement a tad condescending.

Levin scowled and sat in the chair he vacated a minute ago.

“What brings you to Strassen Foundation this morning?” Jaxton asked his tone deceptively unconcerned.

Levin took his badge from his jacket pocket and flashed it at Jaxton. “I’m handling the Strassen homicide case—

“Strassen?” Jaxton asked.

“Four men are dead. Two were killed in a brutal car accident, one shot dead at his home, the other poisoned. All four worked for the Strassen Foundation,” Levin said. “Not to mention the case of the driver, who also worked for Strassen and was shot dead. That makes five people who are connected to this institution.”

“The car accident requires you to find a culprit outside this building. An unknown man drove into that car and shot our driver in cold blood. That accident killed both Virgil and Shin. The person you need to find is the pick-up driver. I assure you he doesn’t work here. As for the other two, they died in their respective homes. Your investigations should lead us to the killer.”

Levin frowned. “What were they working on?”

“I don’t understand what that has to do with the case,” Jaxton said.

“Shin Young, Virgil Troy, Henry Knight, and Tom Purcell, I want to know what they were working on.”

“That’s classified information even for me,” Jaxton said.

“What if it’s relevant to the case?” Levin asked. “Except for the driver, four researchers working for Strassen are dead. Don’t you think their murders have something to do with their work?”

“Are you accusing the foundation of murdering its workers?” Jaxton asked.

“I’m pointing out that it’s odd that people working in the same institution died so suddenly. They were all in good health, with no deadly diseases in sight. Yet, they’re all dead now. Don’t you think it odd, Mr. Donovan?”

Jaxton stood up and adjusted his suit jacket.

“Mr. Cooper, the Foundation has cooperated with the Colston PD to our fullest capacity. We’ve provided all the information we have on the five victims. Their accidents happened outside this building. I suggest you seek your answers elsewhere.”

The door opened and two Strassen security men walked in.

Levin chuckled and stood up too. “I see you got me an escort.”

“We’re merely ensuring you leave our building safely.” Jaxton flashed him a smile. “Please keep me posted on your progress. I’d like to know who is behind the terrible accidents.”

Levin scoffed. He adjusted his leather jacket and gave Jaxton one last glance. He left the conference room flanked by the two security men. They followed him to the lobby and stood at the exit door until he got on his motorcycle. Annoyed by Jaxton’s attitude, Levin reached for his cell phone and made the call he had hoped not to make.

****

“Shin protected me,” Haje said his gaze on the ocean. Waves swept the beach, crashing against each other, restless, like his heart. Vincent sat beside him not speaking. It was oddly comforting. “Shin did his best to protect me every second of my life. It annoyed me sometimes, but I could always count on that.”

He picked up a stone from the sand and threw it close to the water. A second later, waves set in and took it away.

“I’ve lost that constant,” Haje said softly. “I don’t know what happens next.”

Vincent shifted beside him. “Shin would want you to find happiness.”

Haje thought of the drive and cell phone hidden in his suitcase. He knew his twin’s wishes. He knew them, just afraid he would fail at fulfilling them.

The sun slid farther into the horizon. His breath caught at the sight. Shades of orange, yellow, and red colored the horizon, turning the ocean into sparkling glass. Haje frowned at the fading sunlight; he shifted his gaze to the man sitting next to him.

Vincent’s blue gaze was on the sunset as well. Weeks ago, words like romance, attraction, and flirting would have filled his head. Vincent was handsome….tall, blonde, and strong.

Yes, this moment was one he’d have wished for weeks ago.

Now, his heart felt heavy. Heavy because talking to Vincent about Shin made it clear that he’d not taken the time to grieve. He’d filled his head with the accident, Shin’s projects, and Zavier. He’d forgotten Shin, his twin brother, Shin, who he’d spent all his life with...gods he'd move the earth if it meant bringing him back.

The hollow space in his heart ached.

A warm hand squeezed his right shoulder.

“It’s good to talk about Shin,” Vincent said. “You don’t want to keep your sadness inside. It eats you up.”

“How do you know?” Haje asked his voice rough with emotion.

“I haven’t lost a sibling,” Vincent said, “but I have lost men I considered brothers. Good men who died for their country, men I respected. I couldn’t protect them.”

Haje slid his gaze back to Vincent’s profile. Vincent looked sad, his head down.

Haje winced thinking of his accusations toward Vincent. He still hadn’t stopped holding Vincent responsible for Shin’s death. He wanted to quit. He tried to reach out and assure Vincent. But-, he couldn’t.

Haje looked away giving the sunset one last glance. “I think we should head home.”

Vincent got up first and held out his hand to help him up.

Haje's stomach growled and Vincent chuckled.

“I guess we should find you food,” Vincent teased.

Haje smiled brushing sand from his shorts. “I guess we should.”

He glanced up to find Vincent watching him. Their gazes held for a moment, blue eyes seeing so deep inside him…he cleared his throat and turned away.

“I’m sure Aunt Vicky has cooked by now,” Haje said putting space between him and Vincent.

***

Haje’s smile filled Vincent’s thoughts as he drove to Aunt Vicky’s house. That unguarded smile brightened Haje’s features for a second, he wanted to see it again.

Vincent looked at Haje and sighed when he found him on the phone again. No doubt he was sending Levin a message. He didn’t like Levin. Something about Levin wasn't right, he scowled as he turned into Aunt Vicky’s driveway.

Haje frowned at his phone.

“We’re home,” Vincent said to distract Haje.

Haje glanced at him, his brown eyes full of shadows. “Do you think something has happened to Levin? He hasn’t answered my messages.”

“Maybe he’s tired of your unending nagging.” Vincent opened his door and slid out of the car. “Give him a break.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Haje asked getting out of the car too.

Vincent opened the trunk to retrieve the groceries. “I mean you’ve called and messaged him practically every hour today. Don’t you think that’s a bit crazy?”

Haje scowled. “He’s not answering any of my calls. I’m worried about him.”

“Well, I wouldn’t be concerned. That bastard is ignoring you. Let it go, and wait for him to call you.”

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

The accusing gaze was back. It wasn’t the first time he’d seen it on Haje’s face. It made the hair on the back of his neck rise.

“What is going on, Haje? What aren’t you telling me?”

“Nothing,” Haje grabbed the bag filled with junk food. “You can get the rest. I’m going in for a shower.”

“Haje,” Vincent called but Haje went into the house without looking back.

Vincent sighed and stared at the remaining ten bags of grocery shopping. Haje could have at least helped with two of them.

****

Haje clutched the steering wheel. They were driving too fast, always too fast. He pressed the brake pedal, and panic filled him when the car refused to slow down. Instead, the speed increased. He turned to meet Shin’s gaze.

“I’m sorry,’ Haje said. “Oh God, I’m sorry, Shin. I’m – I’m—"

“Haje,” Shin called but he sounded off.

The large pick-up came out of nowhere. Bearing down on them, Haje tried to swerve out of the way. Gods, they were going to die—

“Haje!” Shin screamed.

“Haje.” The soft voice penetrated through his nightmare, taking him away from Shin and his screams. He felt…bereft, guilty. “Open your eyes, Haje. You’re having a bad dream.”

Letting that voice take away the bad dreams, Haje rubbed his eyes shifting against his pillows. He opened his eyes and met worried blue ones. Vincent knelt over him on his bed. A lamp near the bedside table dispersed the dark.

Haje sat up, forcing Vincent to shift and give him space. Haje propped himself against the headboard.

“What time is it?” he asked his voice rough.

“Around four o’clock in the morning,” Vincent said as he sat on the side of the bed.

Haje sighed. “What are you doing up?”

“I was checking on you,” Vincent said.

Cool fingers swept damp hair away from his forehead. He closed his eyes as Vincent’s touch sent the lingering chills away. For a moment, he marveled at Vincent’s ability to fill the gaps and diffuse the fear inside him.

Opening his eyes, he looked into worried blue eyes.

Vincent touched his jaw with gentle fingers. “Your cries woke me up. The nightmares are not going away, Haje. Are you sure you don’t need to talk to someone?”

“What am I going to tell them? I keep dreaming of killing my twin.” He scoffed. “I’ll sound insane, seeing as how my brother is dead already.”

“It’s not insane, maybe your dreams are trying to tell you something.” Vincent folded his hands on his lap. “Do you want me to stay?”

Gods, what an offer, Haje frowned.

He slept well with Vincent. Something about those arms wrapping around him, he couldn’t figure it out. It would be so easy to say yes. Vincent was willing…a small part of him wanted Vincent to stay, wanted Vincent to hold him as he had the last two nights. Haje wanted to give in and let their attraction take its course, but where would it take them?

Looking away, Haje shook his head.

“No,” Haje said because he needed to remember Vincent wasn’t his friend.

Vincent worked for Strassen. He was here on an assignment.

“Are you sure?” Vincent asked.

The question was tinged with…disappointment? He couldn’t tell.

Haje clutched his sheets and pulled them higher. “I’m fine, Vincent. You should head back to bed.”

Vincent let out a sigh and stood up. “Okay, call me if you need anything.”

Haje watched Vincent leave and pushed back the covers when the door closed. Moving to the side of the bed, he ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. He wished he could run and catch Vincent, call him back, and tell him to lie next to him. He wanted to lay his head on Vincent’s chest like the night before. Vincent had held him so tight he felt—

Getting up, he squelched that memory. Vincent wasn’t his to have. He was insane to think of attraction right now. His gaze fell on the cell phone on his bedside table. Taking it, he checked his messages and frowned when he found no messages from Levin.

Throwing the phone on the bedside table, he wondered how he’d make it to Sunday. It was only Wednesday. Four days to wait, he stared at his empty bed. Gods, this waiting was driving him insane.

****

Wednesday afternoon, Vincent came into the house and stopped at the kitchen entrance when he found Haje cooking. Haje chopped onions with fast slices on a board at the island table. He smiled at the sight. He had not known Haje could cook.

Glancing at the keys he held, he’d thought…well, the keys could wait. He put them in his pocket and walked into the kitchen.

“You cook?” he said in greeting.

Haje glanced at him. “Where did you disappear to? My mom was looking for you earlier.”

“Was she?” Vincent smiled because that sounded like Haje was the one who’d been looking for him. He’d told Seol and Aunt Vicky where he was going. “I’m sorry to have worried her. Is she around?”

Haje placed the onions in a frying pan. He then put the pan on the cooker. “She went shopping with Aunt Vicky. They’re crazy for clothes those two. Where did you go?”

Vincent leaned on a counter and folded his arms. “I went to find something to distract you from your obsession.”

“Obsession?” Haje scowled at him. “What obsession?”

“Your phone,” Vincent pointed at the gadget on the table beside neatly cut pieces of beefsteak. “You don’t think about anything else.”

Haje added oil to the onions and stirred.

“I’m not obsessed with my phone.” Haje reached for the beef when the onions browned.

“I beg to differ.” Vincent went to the fridge and got a cold beer. Uncapping it, he watched Haje cook the beef, filling the kitchen with the scent of cooking meat. His stomach growled in appreciation. “Have you always cooked? I’m pretty sure Shin didn’t cook.”

Haje smiled as he always did at the mention of Shin. “Shin hated cooking. He never made time for it. He believed in take-out.”

“You two are alike yet so different. It’s interesting discovering the differences between you and Shin.” Vincent leaned on the counter again.

Haje covered the meat and went to wash his hands at the sink. “You said you have siblings?”

“Yes, an older brother and a younger sister,” Vincent said. “Both are married, living in Perry, Ohio. Between them, I have two mischievous nephews and three sweet nieces.”

Haje wiped his hands on a cloth and leaned on the counter too, staring at him.

“What?” Vincent asked.

“You,” Haje grinned. It transformed his face and made Haje look younger. For a moment, he seemed carefree. Vincent wanted the right to kiss that grin.

“What about me?” he asked in a tight voice. His heartbeat sped up when Haje placed the dishcloth on the counter and moved closer.

“You’re all soft inside,” Haje said.

Vincent froze when Haje moved even closer, so close the scent of the shampoo Haje used filled his senses. Sexy notes of spice, and softwood....gods it smelled good. It made him want to bury his nose into Haje’s neck, possibly lick that gorgeous gold skin…taste it—

Haje met his gaze with a slight frown. “Vincent, I need that grater behind you.”

When he didn't move, Haje reached around him, his arm brushing against Vincent's arm, sending tiny electric thrills along his skin. Haje stepped back and held up the grater.

“Are you okay?” Haje asked studying him.

Vincent shifted against the counter and sipped his beer with a nod. Of course, he wasn’t okay. Haje was driving him insane. Vincent frowned. It was as if Haje was oblivious to his attraction, and if Haje felt something, he was doing a damn good job of hiding it.

Vincent adjusted his jeans as Haje moved away, going to grate carrots at the island table.

“Do you like your job?” Haje asked him.

“Why do you ask?”

“I’m just wondering,” Haje said with a casual shrug. “It can’t be easy placing yourself in danger for others. What if something went wrong? Is it worth it?”

Vincent took a healthy swig of his beer. “Being a bodyguard is easier than some of the situations I’ve found myself in, Haje.”

“Why would you say that? We almost died in a car accident last week you know.”

“We survived,” Vincent said, feeling the need to remind Haje of that fact. He had a feeling some of Haje's nightmares came from that experience. “Why are you asking about my job?”

“I just want to know,” Haje said.

“Why?”

“I want to figure you out,” Haje said finishing with the carrots. He looked up to meet Vincent’s gaze. “I don’t understand why you’d agree to place yourself in harm’s way for money. There have to be easier ways to make money.”

Vincent had heard a similar statement from his siblings when he’d returned from his final tour with the Army. When Jaxton offered him a job, working security at the Strassen Foundation, he agreed without hesitation. His family did not understand his choice.

“Vincent?” Haje prompted him.

“I was angry when I came back stateside after my last assignment,” Vincent said, surprised that he wanted to share this. He had not dared tell anyone else before. His family wouldn’t have understood. They lived safe and happy for too long to see his perspective. Yet, it felt right to tell Haje.

“Why were you angry?” Haje asked.

Vincent sighed and placed his beer on the counter.

“I’d spent my career obeying commands I couldn’t refuse. In my last mission, I lost two of my best friends. They left me with farewell words to pass on to their families. I couldn’t even tell their wives why they died. How they died,” Vincent shook his head. “I was done after that. I couldn’t sign on for another four or eight years. I just wanted out.”

“Oh, Vincent,” Haje moved around the table to stand before him. “I’m sorry.”

Vincent continued since he already started.

“It was strange being back at home. My family was happy. They lived such normal lives. They wanted me to be part of that, but it was hard. I started looking for a job, though I couldn’t imagine working behind a desk.”

Haje chuckled. “I can’t imagine you behind a desk either.”

Vincent met amused brown eyes.

“I almost got a job working security in a mall.”

“No way,” Haje shook his head, surprised. “I wonder what that would have been like.”

“Thankfully, Jaxton called me before I could accept it. As for being in danger,” Vincent reached out to touch Haje’s jaw. “Don’t you think it’s worth it? I know how to handle myself in tough situations. Aren’t you glad I was with you in that car?”

Haje sighed and nodded.

“I’d have probably crashed into that bus and died. You wouldn’t be here, babysitting me.”

“Haje, please stop being so negative,” Vincent said pinching his right cheek lightly. He dropped his hand and Haje hurried around the table to check on his meat.

Vincent watched him add grated carrots and diced tomatoes to the sizzling meat.

“Do you think you’ll be a bodyguard all your life?”

Vincent smiled.

“I haven’t thought that far ahead.”

Haje looked at him.

“What happens when you meet someone you want to spend your life with?”

“I’ll quit,” Vincent said.

“Just like that?” Haje asked in surprise.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I wouldn’t want to break my promises to this someone. If I were to spend my life with him, it would mean keeping safe. My job would jeopardize that promise. So, I’d quit.”

Haje finished stirring the beef stew he was making and covered it. A wide grin graced his features, as he studied Vincent. Vincent was charmed when the wide grin progressed to a happy chuckle that sent half the shadows in Haje’s eyes away.

“What?” Vincent asked.

“I’d have never believed you were such a romantic soul, Vincent.” Haje grabbed a kitchen cloth which he used to wipe his hands. “You surprise me.”

“What about you, Haje? Do you like your job?”

Haje’s smile disappeared immediately.

“Haje—

“It’s a good job,” Haje cut him off. “Although it’s not what I expected when I got it.”

“What does that mean?” Vincent asked with a frown. The few times he had seen Haje at work, he seemed happy. He was inseparable from his two friends who came looking for him at home. They worked well together. What had changed?

Haje turned away from him and went to check the rice cooker. Haje spent a few minutes tasting the rice. Satisfied with it, he set the cooker to warm.

“I’ve noticed you’re not happy anytime I bring up Strassen. Is something going on that you haven’t told me?” Vincent asked when Haje wouldn’t look at him.

“I haven’t been to the office in so long,” Haje said. “Why should anything have happened?”

“Haje—

“Can we drop this subject please?” Haje asked. “The rice is ready and the meat stew has a few minutes left. I figured you haven’t eaten lunch so you must be hungry. I’ll get the plates.”

Vincent watched Haje hurry to the cupboards above the sink. The realization that Haje was hiding something from him was abrupt but not surprising. He had sensed it for a while now. Ever since the morning they decided to visit Aunt Vicky. He had known it when he watched Haje spend hours in his bathroom.

The obsession with Levin Cooper meant Haje had shared something with the cop. Vincent sighed. His first instinct was to press for information. However…Haje was stubborn. Pressing Haje for information wouldn’t work. Besides, his need to know what Haje was hiding had nothing to do with his job anymore. This had turned personal for him.

Sipping his beer, Vincent strolled to the kitchen table where Haje arranged plates. He placed his bottle on the table, took the plates from Haje, and put them on the table.

Haje turned to look at him, his eyes full of questions.

Vincent kissed Haje then, brushing his lips against Haje’s to feel the softness of Haje’s lips against his. Haje stilled, and for a moment, Vincent thought he would pull back. Then, Haje responded. Haje kissed him, moving closer to complete their contact. Vincent smiled against Haje’s lips and slid his arms around Haje, holding him close. Vincent allowed himself to explore the heat of Haje’s mouth, savoring Haje’s taste, until they broke apart for air.

“Vincent.” Haje slid his arms around Vincent’s neck, pulling him closer.

Vincent kissed Haje again and pressed his forehead to Haje’s.

“Are you going to tell me to stop?”

Haje shook his head.

“No.”

“Good,” Vincent said, “Because I don’t want to stop, Haje.”

The scent of burning meat had Haje pulling away and hurrying to the cooking range. He turned off the heat and Vincent smiled when Haje looked at him.

“I guess we’re having the meat well done,” Haje said.

“I guess so.”

Haje laughed. It was good to hear that laugh come so easily.

They spent the rest of the afternoon seated at the kitchen table talking. Haje asked him about his childhood and his family. Vincent told him as many happy memories as he could remember. He moved his chair close to Haje so that he could steal kisses. With each kiss, he noted the dark shadows under Haje’s eyes. Brought by lack of sleep, Vincent thought.

“Where did you disappear to earlier?” Haje asked tangling their fingers.

Vincent reached into his pocket and pulled out the key he had hidden earlier.

“I rented a boat. Thought we could go out, spend a few hours on the ocean.”

“Oh, why didn’t you say anything?” Haje glanced at the time on his phone. “It’s not too late yet. Let’s go.”

“No,” Vincent said pushing his chair back, thinking he wanted to try something else first. He stood up and took their plates to the sink. “Let’s go tomorrow.”

“Why?”

“Patience,” Vincent said as he washed and rinsed their plates. Placing them on the rack, he cleaned up the counters and covered the unfinished food. When he was done, he went to Haje and held out his hand. “Shall we?”

Haje took his hand and stood up. “What are you up to?”

Vincent led the way down the corridor to Haje’s room. Vincent closed the door and placed his hands on Haje’s shoulders, guiding him to the left side of the neat bed. He urged Haje to lie on the bed. Removing Haje’s shoes, Vincent placed them under the bed before he removed his own. He climbed onto the bed fully clothed, stretching out on Haje’s right side.

“Well, this is very kinky, Vincent,” Haje said propping his head up with his right hand

Vincent arranged pillows under his head. He pulled Haje into his arms until Haje rested his head on Vincent’s chest.

“What are we doing?” Haje asked snuggling into Vincent’s warmth.

“Resting, Haje. Close your eyes and sleep,” Vincent said stroking fingers through Haje’s hair. He'd wanted to do this earlier when Haje woke up from his nightmare. He'd wanted to hold Haje in his arms and offer the comfort the man so desperately needed. Vincent let out a relieved sigh as Haje relaxed.

“I’ll watch over you," he promised as Haje's breathing evened out.

****

‘I want to live by the beach.’

They sat on the beach, the sun fading away on the horizon. Haje turned to look at Shin. His twin looked relaxed as he sipped a beer lazily and swept hair out of his eyes. It was useless as the wind swept the unruly strands right back to Shin's forehead.

“Why?” Haje shifted to face his twin. “I thought you liked Colston.”

“I do,” Shin said then flashed him a grin. “But wouldn’t you want to see these sunsets every day?”

Haje smiled.

“Then move here and stay with Aunt Vicky.”

Shin stared at the setting sun and shook his head.

“Nah, that wouldn't be fun,” Shin said.

“Why not?”

“Because.”

“Shin?”

His twin laughed.

“If I leave Colston, who’s going to annoy you li’l Shin?”

Haje scoffed and threw a leaf at his brother.

“That’s an idiotic reason. And who tells you I don’t need a break from your nagging?”

“Nagging?” Shin asked. “I don’t nag, Haje. I pester, annoy, bother, but I don’t nag.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Haje said with a sigh. “Don’t hitch your reasons for not living the dream on me.”

Shin looked at him.

“Would you be alright if I wasn’t with you one day?”

“What do you mean?”

Shin shrugged.

“Now that we've graduated, I might have to go work abroad for a while.”

“How long?”

“Six months or more,” Shin said.

“Is it important to you?” Haje asked hating the thought of not seeing his twin for months.

“You know it is,” Shin said. “I’ve worked hard for this.”

Haje let out a sigh thinking they’d never been apart for months. They had gone to the same schools from kindergarten, all the way through college. Shin might have gone for two-week projects or trips, but not for months. He couldn’t imagine what that was going to be like. Meeting Shin’s gaze, he knew his twin thought the same thing. It was probably harder for Shin. At least Haje would be home with Seol.

“As long as you promise to tell me what you’re working on,” Haje said putting on a brave face. “I can also visit you if you want.”

Shin smiled.

“Would you?”

“You know it,” Haje said. “I expect VIP treatment too.”

“Jeez, I’ll make a pedestal in my tent just for you, li’l bro.”

“You’d better remember you said that.”

Shin laughed, then said, “It will be our first time apart for an extended period. Think you’ll be fine?”

“I don’t think I'm the one you need to worry about. You're the one who'll have withdrawal issues.”

Shin reached out to punch his arm lightly.

“Idiot.”

“Punk,” Haje said retaliating, consoling himself that Shin wasn't leaving for good. He'd get to see him once in a while.

They sat watching the sun for a while. Then Haje turned to look at Shin and gasped when he found the space next to him empty.

He jerked awake in a panic. Vincent’s arms went around him, rubbing his back.

“It’s just a dream,” Vincent said.

“No,” Haje closed his eyes burying his face into Vincent’s shoulder. “This isn't a dream, Vincent. Shin is gone. He’s gone and there is nothing I can do about it.”

“Haje—

“I can’t bring him back.” Tears filled Haje’s eyes as he thought of never seeing Shin again. The idea sinking in, the truth of it so raw he could barely breathe. He would never sit on the beach with Shin, never hear him tease, never watch him laugh, never do things with Shin again….

“I can’t bring him back, Vincent. They took him from me and I can’t bring him back.”

The words came in a sob that threatened to burst his heart.

Vincent tightened his hold on Haje and held on as he cried like a child. Hard sobs bubbled from deep inside him, he couldn’t stop them had he tried.

Haje clung to Vincent and let his grief take him over, letting Vincent hold him as he finally acknowledged Shin wasn’t going to come back to him.

***

Vincent held on to Haje as the storm of grief raged. He’d been waiting for it because it hadn’t helped Haje to keep it hidden inside him. But—oh gods, but the sound of Haje’s sobs broke his heart. Vincent couldn’t take it. Haje’s tears hurt him.

The door opened and he glanced up to find Seol standing there. She had tears in her eyes as she watched her son cry. She gave Vincent a nod and then closed the door leaving them alone.

****